1-19-15 – Corbie

Posted on by Robyn

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I’m going to take the week off from blogging, but will be back next Monday.

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Corbie.
February 8, 2010 – January 18, 2015.

Yesterday morning I walked into the kitchen to see Corbie struggling – and failing – to stand up. He was confused and disoriented and scared, and before we could even get him into the carrier to take him to the emergency vet, he was gone.

In the hours leading up to that, he was perfectly fine. He was completely normal at snack time, he sat and stared pointedly at my plate while I ate breakfast, waiting for me to share a few bits of egg with him. He spent a good part of the morning sleeping in his favorite box in the kitchen. Then he was gone.

To say that we’re shocked and heartbroken and incredulous is an understatement. He would have turned five years old on February 8th.

We buried him in the back yard, not far from the patio where he loved to roll around in the sun.

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Corbie came to us in March 2010 along with his three brothers Reacher, Rhyme, and Bolitar (later nicknamed Buster). They’d been discovered under a bush near the office where Fred worked at the time, under the same bush the Wonkas had been found the previous fall. They were about five weeks old and started out as hissy spitty little brats, but it didn’t take them long to decide that we weren’t so bad.

From the very beginning, I thought Corbie was knockout gorgeous, with his caramel highlights and his beautiful stripes.

He and his brothers all tested FIV positive at first, which was no surprise to us. The Wonkas (who, we determined, were their half-siblings. They shared the same mother, who was FIV positive, and very sick when we managed to trap her.) Like the Wonkas, Corbie and his brothers – the Bookworms – eventually converted to negative. They were with us a little longer than kittens usually are, since we had to wait to retest them, and during that time I fell more and more in love with Corbie.

The whole litter made themselves at home in and amongst the permanent residents, none more so than Corbie. He became buddies with Jake and Elwood – especially Elwood – and they loved to make trouble together.

We did try to get Corbie’s sweet, gorgeous, wonderful self adopted out. But because he’d been with us so long, he didn’t do well at Petsmart at all. He stopped eating and would do nothing but hide, and we were so worried about him that I went and got him and brought him home. I believe we tried him at Petsmart one more time, but it was clear that that just wasn’t going to work, and so I brought him home for good, deciding that he’d be with us until we could find him a permanent home.

We thought, at one point, that we’d found a home for him, but it didn’t work out. I honestly thought at one point that we were going to end up with all four brothers permanently, but Rhyme and Bolitar (Buster) were adopted at Petsmart, and then Reacher was adopted to Kathy in Birmingham. Which left Corbie with us, and in early 2011 I gave up and announced that he was ours.


With Elwood.

The muscles in Corbie’s back end weren’t as developed as they should have been. We weren’t able to determine exactly what was wrong – the vet did tests and found that there’d been some muscle damage at some point, though we don’t know what caused that. Skeletally, he was perfect. More than one vet suggested that it could be due to his being born to a mother who was FIV positive. He got around fine, he was able to walk okay, but he couldn’t really climb, he couldn’t jump, and he didn’t really run. We made it so that he could get up to his favorite window bed by putting a set of steps next to it, and did the same so that he could get up into my recliner. His favorite bed in the house was on the floor just inside the dining room; he’d sit there and watch the other cats go by, and keep an eye on what we were doing in the computer room.

He couldn’t purr – he may have as a kitten, I don’t remember. I think that whatever caused the issues with his back end probably caused his inability to purr – but when you’d pet him, he’d close his eyes, and you could tell how much he loved it. He had such an expressive face.

I never made it a secret that I thought he was the most beautiful cat on earth. I mean, for a while he was the permanent resident whose picture I shared every single Friday, because I thought y’all needed to see his beauty to start your weekends off right. He was beautiful and expressive and such a character. He had a silly, funny walk that Fred called his “Chester Cheetah” walk because his back legs kicked out to the side. I often said that he marched to the beat of his own drum.

I can’t believe he’s gone.

I know not everyone believes in the Rainbow Bridge, but I like to think of him there, rolling around in the green grass, watching birds, running and climbing like he couldn’t when he was here with us. He’s purring, and greeting his old buddy Elwood and making friends with all of those who have gone before him.

And he’s waiting for us.

Goodbye, sweet boy.

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If you’re of a mind to, donations can be made in Corbie’s name to Challenger’s House.

They accept donations by mail (check or money order), by phone (Mastercard/VISA), or there’s a Paypal button at the bottom of the Petfinder page.

Challenger’s House
112 Tristian Rd.
Toney, AL 35773

Phone: 256-420-5995

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Previously
2014: No entry.
2013: No entry.
2012: Sights from around Crooked Acres.
2011: I actually think that Corbie will be okay at the adoption center, because he’s the kind of cat who takes his cues from the cats around him.
2010: “Who, US? We weren’t doing anything, honest!”
2009: From the terrified, practically-feral kittens they were to the kittens who actually seek out human interaction they are now, they’ve changed a lot.
2008: No entry.
2007: No entry.
2006: No entry.
2005: No entry.

Comments

294 thoughts on “1-19-15 – Corbie”

  1. I am so sorry, don’t know what to say. What a shock. Looking at the pictures he surely managed to pack a lot of happiness in his short life.

  3. My heart aches for you Robyn. Your love for him was so clear and strong. I hope you can find comfort in the knowledge that your separation is truly only temporary.

  6. I’m so sorry. He will be missed by all of us. You’re right – he and Elwood are now back to their old tricks.

    R.I.P. Gorgeous

  7. Poor Corbie, this is heart breaking. I’m so sorry for you all. He had the best life with you, if only it could have been longer.

  8. I am so very sorry. I always loved seeing the pictures of Corbie because he had the sweetest expressions. I will keep all of you, human and feline, in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, but I do know that he’s on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

  9. oh wow! I can barely believe this. thank heavens for the years of love you shared – and shared with all of us. so sad to lose a beloved little one in such a surprising way. Best regards to you and Fred and the rest of your furry family.

  10. I’m so sorry. Whenever I would see a kitty with caramel stripes I would automatically call him Corbie.

    So very sorry.

  11. Oh no no, oh i am so sorry. I have loved Corbie from afar as most of us have i’m sure, and know how much you adored him and his sweet self. Such a shock for you, I’m sending my best wishes.

  13. I’m so sorry for your loss Robyn. Long time reader, so I remember Corbie’s whole journey with you. Rest in peace little one.

  16. I’m absolutely gutted for you and Fred. The only possible consolations are two: this was swift; and, more important, you both gave him the most amazing life of love and caring and freedom and fun (being allowed to go outside while also being protected, for instance). And there’s a third, tiny consolation: you gave this special, unforgettable, sweet, singular boy a giant fan club. Farewell, Don Corbeone from one of those fans.

  17. I’m so sorry you’ve lost such a beautiful cat, he was stunning. I’m glad he had his too short life with you, being well looked after and knowing he was loved. I can’t believe he’s gone.

  20. Oh, my gosh. I am so, so terribly sorry. Oh Corbie. I think it’s fair to say that just about everybody loved that boy. … Oh jeez.

  21. I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to you and Fred and all the Crooked Acres gang. Rest in peace, Corbie.

  22. Robyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful life and I’m sure he carries the memory of your love with him to the Rainbow Bridge.

  24. Oh my God…I am just ill and heart stricken. Corbie was my favorite bookworm! He was soooo beautiful and we all cherished him. Of course there is a Rainbow Bridge. It is heaven’s holding spot for God’s best creations. He is with Elwood now and they will both be there for you. I am tearing up now…

    What a short beautiful life…

  28. This is such horrible news!I know you have a huge soft spot for Corbie,and you need to know that we will all miss him incredibly,right alongside you.He, and others like Elwood, will never be truly gone, since he will be remembered by not just you and Fred,but also by all your readers.

    Good luck with the sad time ahead,my heart goes out to you!

  29. I am so very sorry for your loss. This makes my heart hurt, and he wasn’t even mine.

    Run free at The Bridge, sweet Corbie.

  30. I am so sorry. I’m crying for you guys. You gave him a wonderful life, even tho it was short.

  32. I am so very sorry. Words cannot express. Corbie was truly one of a kind and so very beautiful – whatever he lacked anywhere else, he definitely made up for in his beauty and expressiveness. I, too, think he’s still out back, rolling around in the sun and is running and jumping and climbing the highest tree and watching over Crooked Acres and you, Robyn. He just no longer knows cold, hunger, or inability of any kind. I’d like to think all that have gone before are there as well, as Crooked Acres was and is their own heaven. There’s the Rainbow Bridge, and then there is Crooked Acres – as special as the cats that have crossed it’s boundaries and as the care and lives you’ve made for them and gave them. I don’t think they leave, they’re all whole and perfect and loved. We just can no longer see them… Sending warm thoughts and deepest condolences.

  33. Oh no Robyn! Poor sweet Corbie. My heart is broken for you guys and you will be in my thoughts this week.

  35. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts. At his age it might have been a cerebral aneurysm. You gave him a wonderful life and I hope all its memories, and photos, will eventually give you some comfort.

  37. I know your hearts are broken by the loss of beautiful Corbie, especially with his loss being so sudden and unexpected. I’ll hold all of my furry family a little closer today.

  38. Robyn and Fred, I’m so sorry. This news makes me sad. Elwood must have needed his friend and now they are hanging out. Hugs to you.

  41. I am so sorry for your and Fred’s loss, Robyn. What a beautiful cat. Im sure he was so happy to have a place at home with you. Hugs and love.

  42. Oh sweet Corbie!
    We are so sorry for your loss.
    We hope you are helped by the fact that although he only had 5 years on this earth he had a happy life and much love.

  43. The tears are flowing here… Oh Corbie!! What a sudden and senseless loss and I can only imagine how sad, mad and hurt you are right now. But you were there with him when he passed and yes he is at The Bridge, catching up with Ellie Bellie and all the others while waiting for you! Big hugs and know all of us will be with you in spirit and sending purrs your way this week.

  44. This is such awful news. I am so so so sorry for your loss. I’m sat at my desk in tears and that’s nothing on how you must all be feeling.

    He was such a gorgeous boy and will be missed by us all.

  45. My heart is beyond broken for you, Fred, and the permanent residents. RIP, sweet, sweet, beautiful Corbie.

  46. Robyn, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember Corbie from when he was a tiny guy and one of the cutest kittens I’ve ever seen.

    It’s so hard to lose our friends. When they have a long illness at least we can be prepared, but when they go so suddenly (as our Buddy also did in September) it’s such a shock. As others have said, at least Corbie didn’t suffer long.

    I’ll be thinking of you and Fred today.

  47. I am so very sorry for your loss. Corbie was so fortunate to have such a wonderful home to live out his life. You and Fred gave him so much love and I am sure he knew that. My thoughts and prayers are with you both

  49. I’m so sorry. Corbie is with Elwood. You will see him again. For now, he is in your heart always.

  50. I’m so sorry. When I saw his picture, I gasped and hurried to read what happened. Gorgeous Corbie. He had a wonderful life with you, he knew he was loved and he didn’t suffer at the end. That’s all any of us can ask for really.

  53. It is so hard to say goodbye to our furry kids, and especially so when it is so unexpected. My heart breaks for you.

  54. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, Robyn & Fred.
    I loved seeing pictures of Corbie on Fridays, and thought he was just the sweetest cat.
    (hugs)

  55. Robyn,

    Devastated. I know how special Corbie was to you and how very much you (and we to a much lesser degree) loved your boy. Crying for this little light that has moved on. SO sorry!

    Brenda

  56. I am so sorry Robyn, Fred & The Crooked Acres Crew. He’s at the Rainbow Bridge, being gorgeous and hanging out with Elwood.
    Take care!

  57. I have to believe that getting to be an Anderson Kitty is one of the last steps toward kitty spiritual enlightenment. He was so lucky to have found you and to have been loved by you. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your sweet Corbie.

  58. I am so sorry. I know the love you had for Corbie and how difficult this time is and will be. Along with the others I thank you for saving this wonderful guy and providing a home when he could have had a much different, horrible life. The love and care you and Fred provide to these guys shows in every picture and comment. I used to laugh on Fridays as there would be Corbie with your reminder of how beautiful he was. I think Corbie probably tolerated the fuss because he loved you and Fred so much. I think something that might console you is that you did get to be with him in his last moments and that it went quickly. He is at the Rainbow Bridge now with Elwood and all the other friends who are there now. Boy will it be a great time when we are all together again. I am so sorry Robyn.

  60. So very sorry for your loss. Corbie was a very special kitty — and had a beautiful life, though it was too short. Yes, he is already at the Rainbow Bridge with other kitties who have lived happy lives at Crooked Acres. ((((((Hugs))))

  62. … I don’t even know what to say… except I’m soooo sorry… and that hardly seems enough.

    It’s always devastating when we lose a kitty and nothing ever makes it easier, whether it be sudden OR having the time to say goodbye/get closure… so just know that all us crazy cat people are here for you, thinking about you & Fred and all the other permanent residents who will probably also feel the loss (some more deeply than others, I’m sure). Corbie was a sweet boy and I, too, like to think there really is a Rainbow Bridge… it’s the one thing that can console me in situations like this.

    Take care & whenever you’re ready to return to us, we’ll be thrilled to have you back.

  63. NOOOOOO! I am so very sorry for your loss, Robyn and Fred! I don’t know you personally, I live like 20 000 miles away from you, but through your blog, all the residents of the Crooked Acres, human, feline and other, are a part of my family. I’m crying with you now. I’m sending hugs and thoughts and prayers to you.
    Rest in peace, Corbie, you sweet, handsome boy. Say “hi” to Elwood and Spanky and to my beloved Chester. See you there one day.

  64. Robyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Corbie was a beautiful and special cat, and he will be missed. Sending hugs of condolence and healing to all at Crooked Acres. <3

  66. I gasped when I saw the headline in my feedly this morning. Robyn and Fred, I am so SO sorry. My heart breaks for you. Corbie was such a sweet boy, and I have no doubt he will be the first to greet you over the rainbow bridge, whenever that day may come. <3

  67. Oh, poor, precious, sweetest of the sweet caramels. Hang in there, Robyn. There is a Rainbow Bridge and he is there resting with Elly Belly. Just resting. I’m sure of that.

  68. Unbearable sadness 🙁
    You have my deepest sympathy. We have all been there and know how hard it is. I do believe you will see him (and all the others) again. He was a treasure, thank you for sharing him with us.

  69. So very sorry to hear this news. As Corbie looked so much like my cat Kya he was definitely of favorite of mine. Rest in peace Corbie..we will miss seeing your sweet face.

  70. Oh Robyn and Fred–I’m so very sorry. I like to think that there is a Crooked Acres section in Heaven where the Anderson Kitties are having a joyful reunion now. My heart goes out to you.

  71. I am crying for you too…I fell in love with Corbie right along with you…I smile through my tears thinking of him running and jumping in heaven…I am so sorry for your loss…big hugs for giving him the most wonderful life

  72. i am so so very sorry for your loss… Corbie was one of my favorite permanent residents (love tabby tigers…). I know there is a Rainbow Beidge and he and Elwood are happy and healthy and waiting to see you some day… Hugs to both you and Fred and purrs to the other cats.

  73. I am so so sorry! Sending prayers and love your way. I’ll miss seeing that sweet boy’s picture.

  74. Robyn and Fred- I am so so sorry for this tragic loss. Corbie was indeed the most beautiful cat in the world. My heart is broken for you.

  75. I wish I could say something, anything, that would help and that hasn’t already been said by others here. Corbie was sooo loved and had the best and happiest life right up until the very end, and the last thing he saw and felt, I am sure, was you and Fred and your love for him. My Tess, who passed suddenly ten days ago, is at the Bridge with him, as all are our beloved animals. Take care of yourself and surround yourself with love and healing thoughts from all of us. We are all your friends, we just haven’t met yet. XXOO

  77. Oh my gosh… I’m so very sorry, Robyn. This is absolutely terrible news.
    I always loved the Friday posts of that sweet, beautiful boy. I looked forward to them every week. He has always been my favourite since he came to you.
    My heart breaks reading this. Thinking of you guys. *hug*
    Goodbye gorgeous Corbie <3

  78. Thoughts, prayers and hugs for all at Crooked Acres. I’ve had a very similar experience, so I understand some of what you’re going through. Run free, Corbie. You will be missed.

  79. There is nothing to say nor add to what has already been written… I am so saddened by the his sudden loss. Remember what he meant to you, and may the memories of his love and companionship buoy the spirit in your heart and make you smile. I am so sorry Robyn.

  80. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I wish there was something I could say that would help, but I know there just isn’t. I’m 100% certain Corbie-Corbs is running around with Elwood and the rest of the Crooked Acres Gang on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, jumping and purring and thinking “So THAT’S what all the fuss is about! Wait til I show Mom and Dad what I can do!”

    Much love to you, Fred, and all the kitties and pups.

  81. Oh no!! I’m so sorry, Robyn! I always looked forward to Corbie Picture Day, aka Friday. He was such a beautiful boy! Thanking you for sharing him with us.

  82. Oh Robyn, I’m so sad and so sorry for your loss! It is especially hard to lose so young a cat and my heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Corbie with us; I was one of those who looked forward to seeing him every Friday. I will keep the mental picture of him and Elwood snuggling in the sun by the Rainbow Bridge. (hugs)

  83. I am very saddened to hear that Robyn. Corbie is so beautiful. He will always be with us.

  85. Oh, no! Dear, precious, gorgeous Corbie! So, so sorry to hear this. Hugs, peace and blessings to all at Crooked Acres.

  86. Oh, I’m so very, very sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Such a shock; so unexpected; and so young. Yes, he is the most beautiful boy, and we will all remember him with love. May you and Fred find comfort in each other, in your other furry loves and in the wonderful memories of Corbie. Blessings and peace.

  87. I think all of us who read this blog have a secret crush on Corbie. I agree with you Robyn, there is a rainbow bridge and your beautiful boy is on the other side purring. My tears, thoughts, and payers go with you.

  88. Robyn, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Having lost one of my own unexpectedly over the holidays, I understand. The shock of it just seems to hurt more when it is as unexpected as his passing was. Know that he had a wonderful life with you, and was as happy as a cat could possibly be. And yes, he’ll be waiting over the Rainbow Bridge for you.

  90. Robyn and Fred, words cannot express the deep loss I know you are feeling for this little guy. Our hearts go out to you. If there is anything we can do to help, let me know. You two are so wonderful.

  91. I’m so very sorry for your loss, Robyn. There is definitely a Rainbow Bridge and he is up there running and playing and climbing and purring and knowing how much you all (and us too) loved him. Sending you big hugs from NC.

  93. He had his most bestest life with you and Fred, and while it was short, it was so full of love. Imagine him at the bridge whole and restored and running and jumping and climbing..

    I do have to say I really love his caramel sundae belleh photo where he is laying belly up outside (under the photo of him in a bowl which is also freakingly precious)

    I am so very sorry..

  94. Robyn & Fred,
    I am so very sorry for your loss and devastation. I also have a weakness for the tabbies, and through the blog, felt like Corbie was part of my life also. I always looked forward the his beautiful pictures. Rest in peace, sweet boy.

  95. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Heartbroken right along with you. My sympathy to you and Fred; your loving hearts are an inspiration in this world. Oh, Da Corbs, you will always be our beautiful boy. <3

  96. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Such a shock. You and Fred and the Crooked Acres gang are in my thoughts.

  97. So very sorry about this devastating shock. It’s the second time a Corbie post brought tears. I loved the post about his forever home being Crooked Acres. So very happy his life was with you, short tho it was. Thank you for the beautiful tribute to him today. We’re going to miss his gorgeous self, but of course not nearly as potently as you do.

  99. What a terrible shock for all of you, feline and human alike. I am so very sorry to hear of Corbie’s sudden passing. No words can soothe your heart, but time will help ease the pain. No matter how many furry guys live with us, it’s always hard losing anyone. My thoughts are with you and I know you have the support of your many blog readers.

  100. My sincerest condolences, Robyn & Fred. I’m a long (LONG!) time reader, and used to design your monthly blog banners, when I digiscrapped. I can empathize with the loss you’re feeling, and am truly gobsmacked, too. Through your blogging and photography, you have let me love & care about your furry family members, too. Hug each other, hug the kittehs, and we’ll see you in a week, or longer, if you need it. Love & light, peace & condolences.

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